The construction industry is getting a new set of blueprints for tackling emissions in a bid to demolish the sector’s high carbon footprint.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has released its NSW Guide for Large Emitters, designed to establish clear expectations for emissions from large-scale developments.
The guide, which also applies to construction material manufacturing such as cement, chemicals, and metal production, aims to streamline environmental assessments and support the state’s net-zero by 2050 carbon goals.
The climate change-focused tool is set to deliver a reinforced framework for evaluating and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating uncertainty in the planning process and setting consistent industry benchmarks for emissions reporting.
EPA Acting Executive Director of Strategy and Policy Asela Atapattu said the guidelines respond to widespread calls for clarity in the assessment process.
“The new greenhouse gas assessment requirements have taken into consideration feedback from industry, environmental groups, government agencies, as well as members of our community during consultation last year,” Mr Atapattu said.
“We’ve responded to calls for clearer guidance to inform Environmental Impact Assessments. By incorporating this feedback, we’ve created practical guidance to help proponents meet their responsibilities and support NSW’s 2050 net-zero and interim goals.”
What’s changed?
These new guidelines will have major implications for large-scale infrastructure projects, such as freeway expansions, rail developments, and commercial high-rise constructions, which rely on cement, steel, and other emission-heavy materials.
The guide signals an industry shift towards greater accountability and greener alternatives for construction material manufacturers.
As sustainability becomes a structural necessity rather than an option, developers will need to explore cleaner energy sources and lower-carbon building materials to meet the requirements.
Developers and manufacturers will now be required to include three key components in their Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs):
- Emission projections – outlining the expected greenhouse gas output of a project.
- Detailed plans – explaining how projects will meet emission reduction targets.
- Monitoring and reporting – ensuring compliance throughout the project’s lifecycle.
By embedding emissions reduction strategies into the early planning stages, industry leaders can avoid costly revisions or unexpected regulatory roadblocks down the track.
“We’re also setting a new benchmark for sustainable development in NSW, ensuring emissions are transparently addressed in the planning system,” Mr Atapattu said.
